Directional sensing mechanism and communications authentication

ABSTRACT

The present invention is directed toward an RFID device that includes a motion sensing mechanism. The motion sensing mechanism is adapted to sense motion of the RFID device and then selectively allow or restrict the RFID device&#39;s ability to transmit messages, which may include sensitive data, when the RFID device is placed in an RF field. Thus, the motion sensing mechanism is utilized to control access to data on the RFID device to only instances when the holder of the RFID device moves the RFID device in a predefined sequence of motion(s).

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. application Ser. No.13/179,198, filed Jul. 8, 2011, which is a Continuation of U.S. Pat. No.8,232,879, filed Aug. 10, 2009, which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/087,633, filed Aug. 8, 2008,the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein byreference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is generally directed to the detection of cardmovement and the utilization of said detection information in connectionwith controlling operation thereof.

BACKGROUND

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) systems use an RFID reader towirelessly detect the presence of a nearby RFID tag and read anidentification code stored in the tag. The identification code in theRFID tag can be used to control access to a protected resource byallowing access only when an RFID tag having an authorizedidentification code is detected. Generally, the authorized RFID tag isissued to an authorized user to ensure that only the authorized user hasaccess to the protected resource. If the authorized RFID tag is lost orstolen, however, it can be presented by an unauthorized user to accessthe protected resource.

Presently available installed RFID systems use a variety of differentcomplex coding and signaling methods, some of which are proprietary. TheRFID tags used with these systems take two forms—cards and key fobs. Thecoding that these leased programmers can embed is limited to certainspecific ranges and formats allowed by each of the distributors andcontrolled by an encrypted media, which is supplied by each of thecompanies.

There are proposals to integrate RFID devices into banknotes, creditcards, debit cards, store loyalty cards and other high-value objects inan attempt to prevent fraud. The thought is that a person carrying anobject with all of the authentication information must be the trueobject owner. As more and more objects are equipped with these RFIDdevices, the chances of having one's personal information stolen fromthem increases. High-value objects integrated with RFID devicestypically carry extremely sensitive information (e.g. social securitynumbers, addresses, bank account numbers, ATM pin codes, names, etc.) Ifthis type of information is stolen, the entire identity of the objectholder may be compromised. This poses a very serious threat to thegeneral population carrying objects equipped with an RFID device.

SUMMARY

It is, therefore, one aspect of the present invention to provide an RFIDdevice that restricts data transmissions until it has been moved in aparticular way by the holder of the RFID device. By requiring the holderof the device to move the RFID device in a certain way before releasingits sensitive data, the RFID device potentially limits its use, andtherefore release of sensitive data, to instances where an authorizeduser is actually presenting the card purposefully to a reader (assumingthat an unauthorized user does not know the predetermined motionsequence that unlocks the sensitive data from the RFID device). Thishelps minimize or completely prevent third parties from stealing datafrom the RFID device unless the holder of the RFID device is moving itin the predetermined sequence of motions. In other words, an attacker isrestricted from illicitly passing a reader in proximity to the user'sRFID device to harvest data from the user without their consent.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention, anRFID device is equipped with a directional sensing mechanism such as aMicro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) or accelerometer that is capableof sensing movement of the RFID device in one or more directions and/orrotations of the RFID device in one or more rotational directions. Thepresent invention is generally directed toward a method, apparatus, andsystem that utilizes a directional sensing component in combination withan RFID device to substantially prohibit illicit data harvesting fromRFID devices. As can be appreciated, an RFID device can be implementedas a part of an ID/access card, smart card, RF tag, cellular phone,Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), key fob, and the like.

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a system isprovided that substantially prevents the illegitimate harvesting of datafrom an RFID device. The data may have degrees of sensitivity. Forexample, highly sensitive data may include, but is not limited to, bankaccount numbers, social security numbers, PIN codes, passwords, keys,RFID unique ID, encryption schemes, etc. Less sensitive data mayinclude, but is not limited to, user name, manufacturer ID, job title,and so on.

MEMS are the integration of mechanical elements, sensors, actuators, andelectronics on a common silicon substrate through microfabricationtechnology. While the electronics are fabricated using integratedcircuit (IC) process sequences (e.g., CMOS, Bipolar, or BICMOSprocesses), the micromechanical components are fabricated usingcompatible “micromachining” processes that selectively etch away partsof the silicon wafer or add new structural layers to form the mechanicaland electromechanical devices.

MEMS are capable of bringing together silicon-based microelectronicswith micromachining technology, making possible the realization ofcomplete systems-on-a-chip. MEMS is an enabling technology allowing thedevelopment of smart products, augmenting the computational ability ofmicroelectronics with the perception and control capabilities ofmicrosensors and microactuators and expanding the space of possibledesigns and applications.

Because MEMS devices are manufactured using batch fabrication techniquessimilar to those used for integrated circuits, unprecedented levels offunctionality, reliability, and sophistication can be placed on a smallsilicon chip at a relatively low cost.

In accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention,the MEMS device may be provided as an integral part of the processingchip that is also used to control the RF communication functionality ofthe RFID device. More specifically, a single chip may be responsible forexecuting the traditional processing of the RFID device as well ascontrolling whether the RFID device is allowed to respond to a requestfor data from a reader (or even enable the antenna to respond to anytype of RF field). Unless the proper sequence of motions (e.g.,rotations, sliding motions, etc.) is detected by the MEMS device theprocessor will not be allowed to reveal any sensitive data from itsstorage location on the RFID device. In accordance with at least oneembodiment of the present invention, a switch (e.g., logical switch,mechanical switch, electromechanical switch, electrical switch, or thelike) may be provided on the RFID device that inhibits the RFID devicefrom responding to any energization by a reader or the like unless thepredetermined motion or sequence of motions are detected at the RFIDdevice. Thus, the RFID device is enabled to unilaterally control whetherit provides any data to a requesting source based on whether thepredetermined motion has been detected.

In accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention,passwords could also be entered by a user of the RFID device by using acombination lock metaphor. For example, a password could correspond torotating the RFID device right, then back to original position, thenright, etc. Thus, while the password combination is used to enable theRFID device to transmit data to a reader, the RFID device may also sendthe results of the detected motion (i.e., the RFID device may send thereader the combination of right-return-right, likely as binary data).The reader may then analyze the motion information as an additionalpassword for verifying the identity of the RFID device and the holder ofthe RFID device. If either the card information or themotion-based-password is not valid, then the reader may determine thatthe RFID device is not granted access to the asset protected by thereader. Thus, the password provided to the reader as a result ofdetecting motion may be used to represent something that the user knowsin addition to the thing (RFID device) the user is carrying, therebyproviding two layers of security.

This two layer security paradigm can be implemented with a traditionalreader that does not necessarily have a keypad. If a user's card is lostor compromised, it will be unusable by another user who does not knowthe motion-based password.

In accordance with further embodiments of the present invention, the“motion information” captured by the directional sensing mechanism mayalso correspond to certain messages (e.g., a table may be providedmapping certain sequences of motion to certain messages). Accordingly,the RFID device may either send the corresponding message or thecaptured motion information to the reader where it is analyzed. Themessage may, for example, indicate that the holder of the RFID device isunder duress. As can be appreciated by one skilled in the art, othersequences of motions may be mapped to different messages to provideother indicia about the holder of the RFID device. In some embodimentsthe table may be maintained in the RFID device. In some embodiments thetable may be maintained in the reader. In some embodiments, the tablemay be maintained in a combination of the RFID device and the reader.

In accordance with still further embodiments of the present invention,the integration of a directional-sensing mechanism onto a chip can beleveraged in other applications, such as in mobile communication andcellular phone applications. More specifically, a SIM card or similarprocessing platform may be adapted to include a directional-sensingmechanism that acts as an input to the card. Thus, a user of the mobilecommunication device may be allowed to control the operation of themobile communication device (e.g., make call, answer call, reject call,etc.) by simply shaking the mobile communication device or by moving themobile communication device in a predetermined pattern of motion. Instill further embodiments, a user can simply shake or tap their mobiledevice when they are on a call with another user or when they are busydoing something else (e.g., during a meeting). The shaking or tapping ofthe mobile device may cause the mobile device to generate apredetermined text message which is transmitted back to the caller,informing the caller that the intended recipient of the message is busyand will call back later. In other embodiments, a user may be allowed tolocate the menu of services and applications provided on the mobiledevice by simply shaking or tapping the mobile device. In still otherembodiments, the mobile device may be adapted to

In still other embodiments a combined accelerometer and gyroscope unitis provided that generally comprises: a proof mass; primary actuatingmeans operable to actuate the proof mass along a primary axis; secondaryactuating means operable to actuate the proof mass along a secondaryaxis; secondary sensing means operable to sense the position of theproof mass along the secondary axis; and primary sensing means operableto sense the position of the proof mass along the primary axis whereinEA force-feedback loops are set up for both the secondary axis and theprimary axis.

It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a combinedaccelerometer and gyroscope unit wherein the accelerometer and gyroscopeunit is a MEMS accelerometer and gyroscope unit.

It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a combinedaccelerometer and gyroscope unit wherein both the primary actuatingmeans and the primary sensing means are comb-drive capacitors.

It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a combinedaccelerometer and gyroscope unit wherein separate comb-drive capacitorsare provided for actuating and for readout.

It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a combinedaccelerometer and gyroscope unit wherein time multiplexing is used toallow the same comb-drive capacitors to be utilised both for actuatingand for readout.

It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a combinedaccelerometer and gyroscope unit wherein both the secondary actuatingmeans and the secondary sensing means are differential parallel platecapacitors.

It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a combinedaccelerometer and gyroscope unit wherein separate differential parallelplate capacitors are provided for actuating and for readout.

It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a combinedaccelerometer and gyroscope unit wherein time multiplexing is used toallow the same differential parallel plate capacitors to be utilisedboth for actuating and for readout.

It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a combinedaccelerometer and gyroscope unit wherein separate EA force-feedbackloops are provided for the primary mode and the secondary mode.

It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a combinedaccelerometer and gyroscope unit wherein the primary loop has an extrainput Vjn.

It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a combinedaccelerometer and gyroscope unit wherein each loop incorporates anelectrical filter.

It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a combinedaccelerometer and gyroscope unit wherein at the end of each loop, aquantizer is provided to deliver digital output values.

It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a combinedaccelerometer and gyroscope unit wherein each loop contains a mechanicalfeedback path.

It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a combinedaccelerometer and gyroscope unit wherein an electrical feedback path isalso provided.

It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a combinedaccelerometer and gyroscope unit as claimed in claim 14 wherein theelectrical feedback loops are provided with additional electricalfilters.

It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a combinedaccelerometer and gyroscope unit wherein each additional filter has thesame poles as the first filters.

It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a combinedaccelerometer and gyroscope unit wherein each additional filter hasdifferent zeros to the first filters.

It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a combinedaccelerometer and gyroscope unit wherein an extra controller filter isprovided to stabilize the loop.

It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a combinedaccelerometer and gyroscope unit wherein the unit is further providedwith tertiary actuating means operable to actuate the proof mass along atertiary axis and/or tertiary sensing means operable to sense theposition of the proof mass along the tertiary axis.

It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a combinedaccelerometer and gyroscope unit wherein the tertiary axis issubstantially perpendicular to the plane containing the primary andsecondary axes.

It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a combinedaccelerometer and gyroscope unit wherein both the tertiary actuatingmeans and the tertiary sensing means are comb-drive capacitors.

It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a combinedaccelerometer and gyroscope unit wherein separate comb-drive capacitorsmay be provided for actuating and for readout.

It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a combinedaccelerometer and gyroscope unit wherein time multiplexing may be usedto allow the same comb-drive capacitors to be utilised both foractuating and for readout.

It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a combinedaccelerometer and gyroscope unit wherein the two sets of fingerscomprising the comb-drive capacitors may be of differing dimensionsalong the tertiary axis.

It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a combinedaccelerometer and gyroscope unit wherein the unit is operated in a modewherein a EA force-feedback loop is set up for only one of the secondaryaxis and the primary axis.

It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a sensorcluster comprising one or more combined accelerometer and gyroscopeunits.

It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a sensorcluster wherein the cluster may additionally comprise one or morededicated single axis or multi-axis accelerometers and/or one or morededicated single axis or multi-axis gyroscopes.

It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a method ofoperating a combined accelerometer and gyroscope unit having a proofmass; primary actuating means operable to actuate the proof mass along aprimary axis; secondary actuating means operable to actuate the proofmass along a secondary axis; secondary sensing means operable to sensethe position of the proof mass along the secondary axis; and primarysensing means operable to sense the position of the proof mass along theprimary axis, the method comprising the steps of: setting up EAforce-feedback loops for the both the secondary axis and the primaryaxis to measure both a component of rotation and two components ofacceleration.

These and other advantages will be apparent from the disclosure of theinvention(s) contained herein. The above-described embodiments andconfigurations are neither complete nor exhaustive. As will beappreciated, other embodiments of the invention are possible using,alone or in combination, one or more of the features set forth above ordescribed in detail below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram depicting an access control system inaccordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram depicting an RFID device in accordance with atleast some embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram depicting an alternative configuration of anRFID device holder in accordance with at least some embodiments of thepresent invention;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram depicting a cross-sectional view of an RFIDdevice contained with a holder that actively cancels RF communicationsunless a predetermined motion or sequence of motions is detected by theholder in accordance with at least some embodiments of the presentinvention;

FIG. 5 is a table depicting exemplary motions and their associatedactions in accordance with at least some embodiments of the presentinvention;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram depicting another illustrative RFID device inaccordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 7 is a block diagram depicting another illustrative RFID device inaccordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring initially to FIG. 1, an illustrative access control system 100is depicted in accordance with at least some embodiments of the presentinvention. The access control system 100 may comprise a reader 104 andan RFID device 108. The RFID 108 may be a passive device which does notrequire power supplied from an internal power source. The electricalpower required to operate a passive tag is supplied to the tag byelectromagnetic energy transmitted from the reader 104. Theelectromagnetic energy may be generated at an antenna 112 of the reader104 and received at an antenna 116 of the RFID device 108. In accordancewith at least some embodiments of the present invention, the antenna 116(or the entire antenna circuit) may not be allowed to respond to theelectromagnetic energy generated by the reader 104 if the RFID device108 has not been moved in a predefined motion of predefined sequence ofmotions.

Accordingly, a passive RFID device 108 is operational when it receiveselectromagnetic waves from the reader 104 and has been moved in apredefined motion. As can be appreciated, however, the RFID device 108may alternatively be an active device which has some form of internalpower supply (e.g., a battery or a similar energy storage device). Inthis particular embodiment, the battery may be disconnected from theantenna or some other portion of the RFID device 108 unless the RFIDdevice 108 has been moved in a predefined motion.

Referring now to FIG. 2, the RFID device 108 may comprise a number offunctional elements including an integrated circuit (IC) 204 that isconnected to the device's antenna 116. The IC 204 embodies theprocessing and memory capabilities of the RFID device 108. The RFIDdevice's antenna 116 is typically coupled to the IC 204 and may be aconventional coil termed a “dual-function antenna coil” which is capableof performing both the receiving and transmitting functions of the RFIDdevice 108. Alternatively, two separate receiving and transmittingantenna coils can be substituted for the single “dual function antennacoil” in the RFID device 108. The RFID device 108 may also optionallyinclude an external transponder tuning capacitor coupled to the IC andto each antenna coil of the tag's antenna 116. Further details of theRFID device circuitry are described in U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/874,542 to Lowe, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporatedherein by reference.

The RFID device's antenna 116, in cooperation with the transpondertuning capacitor, if present, may be used to determine the carrierfrequency of the RFID device 108. In accordance with at least someembodiments of the present invention, the RFID device 108 may beequipped to communicate at a number of different carrier frequenciesincluding, without limitation, 125 kHz, 13.56 MHz, etc. Alternatively oradditionally, the RFID device 108 may be configured to communicate viaNFC and/or Bluetooth (e.g., Bluetooth 4).

The RFID device 108 shown and described herein is but one example of atype of transponder having utility in the RFID system 100. It isunderstood that practice of the present invention is not limited to anyone specific type of tag, but is generally applicable to mostconventional types of tag having utility in RFID systems. Thus, forexample, the tag can be selected from proximity cards, proximity tags,smart cards, NFC devices, or the like. It is further understood thatpractice of the present invention is not limited to RFID systems havingonly one tag and one reader as shown and described, but is generallyapplicable to RFID systems having any number of compatible tags/machinereadable credentials and readers.

Furthermore, the RFID device 108 may be provided in a number ofdifferent form factors. For example, the RFID device 108 may be providedon or within a card as described above. Additionally, the RFID device108 may be provided on or within a key fob, portable electronic device(e.g., laptop, Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), portable e-mailretrieval device, cellular phone, etc.), any other device including aSIM card containing one of its ICs, a computer, a phone, or any othergenerally portable device.

In most conventional RFID systems, the position of the reader 104 isstationary (i.e., constant) relative to the surrounding environment,while the position of the RFID device 108 is portable (i.e., variable)within the surrounding environment. In such cases, the user of the RFIDsystem moves the portable RFID device 108 into relative proximity withthe stationary reader 104 to enable simultaneous operation of the boththe RFID device 108 and reader 104. In some conventional RFID systems,however, the position of the reader 104 may be portable relative to thesurrounding environment, while the position of the RFID device 108 iseither portable or stationary. In the case of a portable reader 104 anda stationary RFID device 108, the user moves the portable reader 104into relative proximity with the stationary RFID device 108 to enablesimultaneous operation of the both the RFID device 108 and reader 104.In the case of a portable reader 104 and a portable RFID device 108, theuser may move both the portable reader 104 and the portable RFID device108 into relative proximity with one another to enable simultaneousoperation of the both the RFID device 108 and reader 104. Embodiments ofthe present invention are not limited to any one of the above-recitedRFID system configurations.

As can be seen in FIG. 2, the RFID device 108 may further include adirectional sensing mechanism 208 that is coupled to a switch 212. Theswitch 212 may control the overall operational abilities of the RFIDdevice 108. More specifically, the switch 212 may be enabled todisconnect the IC 204 of the RFID device 108 from the antenna 116.Alternatively, the switch 212 may be enabled to disconnect the IC 204from an external memory that contains sensitive data. In yet anotheralternative embodiment, the switch 212 may be enabled to disable theantenna 116 entirely. In still another alternative embodiment, theswitch 212 may be enabled to disable or otherwise directly control theoperation of the IC 204 (i.e., the switch 212 may be integral to the IC204). In other words, the switch 212 may comprise a logical switch thatis simply a rule set implemented by the IC 204 when a particular signalis received at the IC 204 from the directional sensing mechanism 208.

As can be seen in FIG. 2, the IC 204, sensing mechanism 208, and/orswitch 212 may be provided on a single piece of silicon 216 residing inthe RFID device 108. Alternatively, just the IC 204 and sensingmechanism 208 may be provided on the single piece of silicon 216. Stillfurther in the alternative, each component may be provided on separatepieces of silicon.

As a default state, the switch 212 may not allow the RFID device 108 totransmit any data (including sensitive data) from the antenna 116. Whenan “activating” predetermined motion or sequence of motions is detectedat the sensing mechanism 208, the switch 212 may be moved from itsdefault state and the RFID device 108 may then be allowed to transmitsensitive data.

Once the RFID device 108 is enabled to transmit data, the IC 204 may beenabled to retrieve sensitive data from its location of storage,generate a message containing said data, then transmit said message tothe reader 104 via its antenna 116.

In accordance with at least some embodiments and as noted above, thepresent invention is not limited to use in RFID technologies orcontrolling such technologies. Rather, embodiments of the presentinvention may be applied to SIM cards containing one or more ICs orother ICs residing in a mobile communication device. A directionalsensing mechanism 208 may be employed to control the operation of theSIM card or IC of the mobile communication device. As one example, thedirectional sensing mechanism 208 may be utilized to limit the operationof the SIM card or IC. As another example, the directional sensingmechanism 208 may be used to provide a control input to the SIM card orIC such that operations of the SIM card or IC are based on motions ofthe mobile communication device sensed by the directional sensingmechanism 208. This may allow a user of the mobile communication deviceto control the operation of the mobile communication device by simplyshaking the mobile communication device or moving it in a predeterminedfashion or according to a predetermined sequence of motions. A differentset of motions or sequence of motions may be used as different controlinputs to the SIM card or IC. As one example, a rotation of the mobiledevice to the left may correspond to an input which causes the SIM cardor IC to perform one action whereas a rotation of the mobile device tothe right may correspond to a different input which causes the SIM cardor IC to perform another different action.

As another example, a user may originate a call via the antenna 116 to aremote destination (e.g., via cellular communication technologies) and apredetermined phone number by simply shaking or tapping the mobiledevice. This allows the user control the operations of the mobile deviceand certain applications residing therein by simply moving or shakingthe mobile device. This may allow the creation of a mobile communicationdevice that does not necessarily need a handset or keypad. In otherwords, the SIM card of the mobile device may be handset independent andcan simply be controlled by the shaking or tapping of the mobile deviceand subsequent detection of motion by the directional sensing mechanism208.

FIGS. 3 and 4 depict an alternative mechanism that may be used toprotect sensitive data stored on an RFID device 108. More specifically,rather than “enabling” the RFID device 108 to transmit sensitive dataonly when a predetermined motion or sequence of motions is detected by asensing mechanism 208, it may be possible to employ a card carryingdevice 304 that generates an active cancellation field 308 which isintended to distort any data transmission of the RFID device 108. Morespecifically, the holder 304 may comprise a separate antenna and IC thatare adapted to be activated when carried into an RF field. If an RFIDdevice 108 is also in the holder when an RF field is applied thereto,both the antennae in the holder and an antenna in the RFID device 108will attempt to transmit messages. The signal transmitted by the holder304 is used to create noise thereby making it difficult or impossible toretrieve the data transmitted by the RFID device 108. If a user desiresto have their RFID device read by a reader, the user is traditionallyrequired to remove the RFID device 108 from the holder 304 so that thecancellation field 308 is not generated.

Embodiments of the present invention propose incorporating a sensingmechanism 208 in the holder 304 rather than the RFID device 108 so thatprivacy protection techniques described herein can be used to protectdata on older legacy RFID devices 108 that do not have a directionalsensing mechanism 208. In accordance with at least some embodiments ofthe present invention, a user can allow data from the RFID device 108 tobe read by moving the holder 304 in a predetermined motion or sequenceof motions to temporarily deactivate the cancellation field 308. Thisallows the RFID device 108 to be the only antenna which responds to thereader. This can all be accomplished without requiring a user to removethe RFID device 108 from the holder 304.

As can be seen in FIG. 4, the holder 304 may have a preferred geometryfor physically securing the RFID device 108. The directional sensingmechanism 208 may be provided on a printed circuit board or the likethat resides on the back side of the card holder 304. The directionalsensing mechanism 208 may operate in a normal fashion, but instead ofenabling operations of the holder 304 when a predetermined motion orsequence of motions is detected, the directional sensing mechanism 208may disable operations of the holder 304 for a predetermined amount oftime.

With reference now to FIG. 5, an exemplary motion table 500 used totranslate motions into actions will be described in accordance with atleast some embodiments of the present invention. As can be seen,rotational movements across one, two, or three axes may be used toprotect data on an RFID device 108 or at least control the operation ofthe RFID device 108. Additionally, sliding movements may also beconsidered as a motion input. When a predetermined motion or sequence ofmotions is detected, an action is performed in conformity with theactions listed in the table 500. As one example, the motion or sequenceof motions may result in an action which allows the RFID device 108 totransmit sensitive data to a reader. As another example, the motion orsequence of motions may result in the generation and transmission of apredetermined message. As yet another example, the motion or sequence ofmotions may cause the IC 204 to translate the motions into binary datawhich can be transmitted as a password to the reader 104 alone or inaddition to other sensitive data stored on the RFID device 108. Thereader 104 can then analyze the password to determine if user access ispermitted. The password may be used as a metaphor or substitution of auser input which would otherwise need to be provided to a keypad on thereader 104. Accordingly, a reader 104 without a keypad can test what theuser is carrying as well as what the user knows, thereby resulting in asubstantially more secure facility.

In accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention anenrollment process is provided whereby a user is allowed to define theirpersonal motion or sequence of motions that will be used to protect thedata on the RFID device 108. In one embodiment, the user may be allowedto sit in front of a reader connected to a computer providing the userwith a Graphical User Interface. The reader may prompt the user to entertheir motion-based password and will then wait for the detection of amotion or series of motions. Once the user has performed the desiredmotion(s), the user may indicate that they are done and thereader/computer will replay the detected motion or sequence of motionsand ask the user if that is their desired password. If the user selectsyes, then the entries in the table 500 may be updated accordingly. Also,the password data may be provided back to the RFID device 108 or atleast an affirmation is sent to the RFID device 108 indicating that thelast motion or sequence of motions corresponds to a password entered andrecognized by the reader.

In accordance with at least some alternative embodiments of the presentinvention, the motion-based password may also be used to protect non-RFdevices. As an example, an RSA card may be secured with a directionalsensing mechanism 208 performing operations as described herein. Unlessa predetermined motion or sequence of motions is detected at the RSAcard, then the RSA card may be prohibited from generating a code for theuser.

With reference now to FIG. 6, an alternative configuration an RFIDdevice 108 will be described in accordance with embodiments of thepresent disclosure. The RFID device is similar to the RFID device 108 ofFIG. 2 in that a sensing mechanism 208 is used to actuate or control theoperations of a switch 212 that effectively controls the RFID device'sability to establish RF communications with other devices. Inparticular, the RFID device 108 is shown to include a transponder module608 and a privacy module 604.

In some embodiments, the privacy module 604 comprises the sensingmechanism 208, an analysis module 612, and a switch actuator 620. Thetransponder module 608 is shown to include an IC 204 (possibly havingsensitive data), a tuning capacitor 624, and an antenna coil 628. Theantenna coil 628 may be similar or identical to the antennas 116previously discussed herein.

The transponder module 608 may behave and operate much like atraditional RF transponder (e.g., via inductive or RF coupling). Theprivacy module 604 may comprise any collection of software, firmware,microprocessors, or the like that are capable of detecting one or morepredetermined motions at the sensing mechanism 608, analyzing themotions detected at the sensing mechanism with the analysis module 612,and depending upon the analysis of the motions, invoking the switchactuator 620. As a non-limiting example, the privacy module 208 may allbe built on a single piece of silicon or the sensing mechanism 208 maybe incorporated into a microprocessor that is also executing theanalysis module 612. As another non-limiting example, the analysismodule 612 may be software instructions executed by a microprocessor,firmware instructions, and/or a digital logic circuit (e.g., ASIC) thatis configured to operate the switch actuator 620 only in response toreceiving one or more permissible inputs 616 from the sensing mechanism208.

The privacy module 604 is coupled to the transponder module 608 via theswitch 212 (which may actually contain one or more switches). The switch212 may be physically or mechanically operated by the switch actuator620. When the switch 212 is in a first position (e.g., open or closed),the IC 204 may be configured to exchange RF communications with otherRF-enabled devices via the antenna coil 628. When the switch 212 is in asecond position (e.g., an opposite position to the first position), theIC 204 may effectively be prohibited from exchanging RF communicationsvia the antenna coil 628. In some embodiments, an open position of theswitch 212 may enable the IC 204 to establish communications via theantenna coil 624 whereas a closed position of the switch 212 mayeffectively short the antenna 628, thereby prohibiting the IC 204 fromestablishing RF communications via the antenna coil 624. Because theprivacy module 604 is enabled to control the switch 212 via the switchactuator 620, the privacy module 604 may be configured to effectivelyinterrupt, short, or otherwise interfere with the operations of thetransponder module 608. Accordingly, unless an appropriate permissibleinput 616 is received at the sensing mechanism 208 and recognized by theanalysis module 612, the transponder module 608 may be prohibited fromexchanging RF communications. Said another way, credentials or othersensitive information stored on the IC 204 may only be released when thepermissible input(s) 616 are received at the sensing mechanism 208(e.g., when predetermined directional motions of the RFID device 108occur).

In some embodiments, the switch 212 can be incorporated into thetransponder module 608 and/or the privacy module 604. In someembodiments, the switch actuator 620 may be incorporated into thetransponder module 608 instead of the privacy module 604.

FIG. 7 depicts yet another example of an RFID device 108 whereby aprivacy module 704 is provided with transponder componentry 708. Theprivacy module 704 may be similar or identical to the privacy module604, except that the privacy module 704 is inherently capable of RFcommunications.

The transponder componentry 708 may enable the privacy module 704 toexchange RF communications much like a traditional RF transponder (e.g.,transponder module 608). In some embodiments, the privacy module 704 maybe powered from an RF field generated by an external RFID reader (e.g.,via inductive coupling). The power received from the RFID reader may beprovided from the transponder componentry 708 to other components of theprivacy module 704, thereby activating the privacy module 704. Once thetransponder componentry 708 is activated (e.g., vis-à-vis inductivecoupling with an RF interrogation circuit as defined in one or more ofISO 14443, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated hereinby reference), the sensing mechanism 208 may be activated and enabled todetect motions of the RFID device 108. Likewise, once the transpondercomponentry 708 is activated, the analysis module 612 may be activatedand enabled to analyze motion inputs received at the sensing mechanism208. Advantageously, this enables the analysis module 612 to beprogrammed with new permissible inputs 616 without requiring the IC 204to be connected to the antenna coil 628 or otherwise be activated. Inother words, the privacy module 704 may comprise the ability to bepowered from an external RF field and then may utilize a microprocessorand non-volatile memory as part of the transponder componentry 708 sothat the analysis module 712 can communicate with an external device(e.g., via RF, Bluetooth, NFC, etc.). This enables the analysis module712 to receive programming instructions (e.g., in the form of motions tobe programmed as permissible inputs 616). In other words, the analysismodule 612 may be configured to execute an enrollment or provisioningmode of operation without exposing the IC 204 and the informationcontained therein.

The antenna 628, in some embodiments, may be required to be connected bythe switch 212 to either the IC 204 or the privacy module 704. Both theprivacy module 704 and the IC 204 may have a common ground and just thepositive power connection is switched (e.g., SPST switch) or a DPSTswitch is used which connects both power and ground to either.

Initially, the antenna coil 628 may be connected to the privacy module704 and then, if authorized by such, then the switch 212 connects theantenna 628 to the IC 204. This way the RF Field provided by a readerpowers the privacy module 704 and then, when it is connected to the IC204, the power is directed to the IC 204 and its RFID transpondercomponentry which behaves as if just entered the field.

In another embodiment, there could be separate antennas for both theprivacy module 704 and the IC 204 and the control of the IC 204 isexecuted by various methods including shorting the antenna 628 orotherwise preventing the IC 204 from receiving power or even a logicsignal that is connected to an inhibit function of the RFID transponderor even a communications connection between each other.

In some embodiments, the IC 204 could be incorporated in to the privacymodule 704 and upon successful authentication (e.g., detection ofappropriate directional inputs), the IC 204 emulate an RFID transponder.In this case, the switch 212 may not be an electronic component but alogical software function switch.

In one embodiment, the entire assembly depicted in FIG. 7 may becontained on a very thin PCB with either an etched antenna 628 orconventional antenna coil 628 attached to such PCB. Alternatively oradditionally, the antenna 628 can be contained on a PCB with externalconnection points for a separate antenna that is affixed to such. Ineither case, the PCB assembly can be constructed in such a way that itcan be placed inside an injection-molded conventional clamshell RFIDcard that is of typical size and thickness to what is typically used inRFID cards such that there is no visual difference to the user.Additionally or alternatively, the antenna 628 and switch 212 could belaminated into a card by heat or glue or otherwise such that the finalassembly again has the same or similar dimensions of RFID cards asalready used. Of course these assembly techniques are not just limitedto cards and could be in the form factor of key-fobs, stickers to beaffixed to devices, or otherwise.

The enrollment of the desired sequences can be collected on an externaldevice and programmed into the directional sensing mechanism using RFIDor even a wired connection during the manufacturing process or byelectrical contacts on the card itself, similar to the contacts of acontact smart card. Additionally or alternatively, there could be anenrollment process using the assembly itself which is initiated by apre-defined motion, push button, or otherwise. Furthermore, thefunctionality could employ LED's, audible mechanisms, displays, etc. toprovide user feedback that a successful motion sequence has occurred andalso for feedback during enrollment of the desired sequences to allowthe RFID data to occur.

The present invention, in various embodiments, includes components,methods, processes, systems and/or apparatus substantially as depictedand described herein, including various embodiments, subcombinations,and subsets thereof. Those of skill in the art will understand how tomake and use the present invention after understanding the presentdisclosure. The present invention, in various embodiments, includesproviding devices and processes in the absence of items not depictedand/or described herein or in various embodiments hereof, including inthe absence of such items as may have been used in previous devices orprocesses, e.g., for improving performance, achieving ease and\orreducing cost of implementation.

The foregoing discussion of the invention has been presented forpurposes of illustration and description. The foregoing is not intendedto limit the invention to the form or forms disclosed herein. In theforegoing Detailed Description for example, various features of theinvention are grouped together in one or more embodiments for thepurpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is notto be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed inventionrequires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather,as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than allfeatures of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the followingclaims are hereby incorporated into this Detailed Description, with eachclaim standing on its own as a separate preferred embodiment of theinvention.

Moreover though the description of the invention has includeddescription of one or more embodiments and certain variations andmodifications, other variations and modifications are within the scopeof the invention, e.g., as may be within the skill and knowledge ofthose in the art, after understanding the present disclosure. It isintended to obtain rights which include alternative embodiments to theextent permitted, including alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalentstructures, functions, ranges or steps to those claimed, whether or notsuch alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions,ranges or steps are disclosed herein, and without intending to publiclydedicate any patentable subject matter.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of controlling the operation of anIntegrated Circuit, comprising: receiving one or more motion inputs at amotion-sensing mechanism; determining whether the received one or moremotion inputs correspond to one or more predetermined inputs; andcontrolling operations of a switch based on whether the received one ormore motion inputs are determined to correspond to one or morepredetermined inputs, the switch being controlled so as to enable ordisable the Integrated Circuit from exchanging communications via anantenna.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the switch, in a firstposition, shorts the Integrated Circuit across the antenna, therebyprohibiting the Integrated Circuit from exchanging communications viathe antenna.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the switch, in a secondportion, removes a short between the Integrated Circuit and the antenna,thereby enabling the Integrated Circuit to exchange communications viathe antenna.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the Integrated Circuit isincorporated in a mobile communication device.
 5. The method of claim 1,wherein the one or more motion inputs correspond to a predeterminedsequence of motions and wherein each motion input in the one or moremotions inputs are analyzed together and prior to performing a controloperation of the Integrated Circuit.
 6. A communication device,comprising: an Integrated Circuit; and a privacy module, the privacymodule including a directional sensing mechanism configured to detect amotion of the communication device and translate the detected motioninto an electrical signal which is analyzed by an analysis module andused to control operations of a switch which controls whether or not theIntegrated Circuit is enabled to communicate via an antenna.
 7. Thecommunication device of claim 6, wherein the privacy module comprisestransponder componentry which enables power to be provided from anexternal Radio Frequency (RF) field to components of the privacy module.8. The communication device of claim 7, wherein the transpondercomponentry includes a microprocessor and non-volatile memory, thetransponder componentry enabling the analysis module to be programmedwith one or more permissible inputs without exposing data from theIntegrated Circuit.
 9. The communication device of claim 8, wherein thetransponder componentry is also connected to the switch such that whenthe Integrated Circuit is connected to the antenna via the switch, thetransponder componentry is not connected to the antenna via the switchand when the Integrated Circuit is not connected to the antenna via theswitch, the transponder componentry is connected to the antenna via theswitch.
 10. The communication device of claim 9, wherein the switch iscontained in the privacy module.
 11. The communication device of claim9, wherein switch is external to the privacy module.
 12. Thecommunication device of claim 6, wherein the transponder componentryincludes a microprocessor and non-volatile memory, the transpondercomponentry enabling the analysis module to be programmed with one ormore permissible inputs without exposing data from the IntegratedCircuit.
 13. The communication device of claim 6, wherein thetransponder componentry is configured to exchange communications via RF.14. The communication device of claim 6, wherein the transpondercomponentry is configured to exchange communications via Near FieldCommunications (NFC).
 15. The communication device of claim 6, whereinthe transponder componentry is configured to exchange communications viaBluetooth.
 16. The communication device of claim 6, wherein the switchis configured to short the Integrated Circuit and antenna so as toinhibit the Integrated Circuit from communicating via the antenna. 17.The communication device of claim 6, further comprising a SubscriberIdentity Module (SIM) card.
 18. A Radio Frequency Identification Device(RFID) device, comprising: an Integrated Circuit; a privacy module; anda directional sensing mechanism configured to detect a motion of thecommunication device and translate the detected motion into anelectrical signal which is analyzed by the privacy module and, based onthe analysis performed by the privacy module, used to control operationsof the Integrated Circuit via a switch.
 19. The RFID device of claim 18,wherein the directional sensing mechanism is integral to the privacymodule.
 20. The RFID device of claim 18, wherein the privacy modulecomprises transponder componentry that includes a microprocessor andnon-volatile memory, the transponder componentry enabling the privacymodule to be programmed with one or more permissible inputs withoutexposing data from the Integrated Circuit.